Chapter 493

“I…” Ashley panicked.

“Really? Funny, I don’t recall any of this,” Debra said. “Miss Steele, is there any truth to these wild accusations?”

All eyes swiveled to Ashley, who quickly adopted an expression of wounded innocence. “Miss Blair, how could you say such things? I never said such things.”

“You did! You all heard her!” Shelia screeched, her finger jabbing accusingly at the circle of socialites.

However, none of them spoke up. Shelia was isolated and desperate, while Declan’s lips pressed into a thin line.

Debra’s smile widened, a picture of feigned sympathy. “It seems Miss Blair is not quite herself today. My plans to remarry Juan have been set in stone for some time. Perhaps the recent loss of her child has affected her mental state, causing her to speak so irrationally.”

“I’m not being irrational!” Shelia protested, her voice rising to a shrill pitch.

Debra clucked her tongue, a sound dripping with false concern. “Joe, be a dear and drive Miss Blair to the hospital. We must ensure her condition doesn’t deteriorate further.”

Debra’s tone was mild, but everyone sensed the insinuation.

Declan finally found his voice. “I dare any of you to lay a hand on my daughter.”

Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing a young woman with a delicate face and slim build. Dressed in simple jeans and a t-shirt, she looked woefully out of place among the bejeweled guests. Spotting Declan, she rushed forward to clutch his leg. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Dad, I finally found you.”

Declan’s face darkened like a storm cloud, while Edgar smirked from the sidelines. Perched on the second floor, Debra raised an eyebrow. “What a night!”

“Dad, I’ve been searching for you for so long. I’m your daughter, Jade,” the young woman cried.

Cameras flashed as the media vultures circled, sensing a story.

Shelia anxiously grabbed Declan’s wrist, shoving the young woman away. “This is my father. Who the hell are you? Who sent you in? Security!”

The security guards stepped forward but were halted by Edgar. He strode towards the young woman, helping her to her feet. “Let’s not be hasty. Since tonight is already full of surprises, why don’t we let this lady speak her piece?”

The real Jade wiped her tears, her eyes locked onto Declan. “Dad, I’m your daughter. I’m Jade.”

“Enough!” Shelia barked. “You can’t just claim to be someone’s daughter without proof. Edgar found me and brought me to Declan. We had a paternity test. You’re just here to cause trouble.”

“Nothing is absolute. This lady does bear a resemblance to Declan,” Edgar chimed in, looking at Jade. “Miss, do you have anything to prove your identity?”

“Yes, I had a ring,” Jade replied, pointing at Shelia. “She stole it from me.”